Facebook 'Likes' leads to surf riot suspect's arrest

The suspect, proud of his actions, 'liked' the Huntington Beach Police Department's picture #15 and shared it with friends

By Jeremiah Dobruck
Los Angeles Times

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — Police arrested three more people this week suspected of participating in the July 28 disturbance that broke out in downtown Huntington Beach after a surfing tournament, police announced Saturday.

One of the men, Luis Enrique Rodriguez, 18, of Anaheim, who is believed to have written expletives on the sides of police cars, indirectly helped authorities track him down, police said.

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"Mr. Rodriguez, apparently proud of his actions, 'liked' the Huntington Beach Police Department's picture #15 and shared it with his friends, which was noticed by numerous fans of our Facebook page and a series of tips leading to his identification," police said in a statement posted on the department's Facebook page.

Rodriguez was arrested Aug. 16 by Anaheim police, according to the statement.

The two other arrests came earlier in the week for crimes also related to the July 28 rioting.

Anthony Abadier, 20, of Huntington Beach allegedly smashed newspaper stands with a skateboard, police said. He was arrested on suspicion of felony vandalism, participating in an unlawful assembly and refusing to disperse when ordered, police said.

A 17-year-old male from West Covina was released to his parents on charges of felony vandalism, inciting a riot and refusing to disperse after he turned himself in to Huntington Beach police on Tuesday, according to the department.

"Our investigation shows him damaging the portable toilets and attempting to tip over a public works truck," the police statement said.

Seven people were immediately arrested for disorderly conduct and vandalism after the crowd turned rowdy following the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing competition.